Skin-related Symptoms in Fibromyalgia

Editor's comment: Skin-related problems are a common complaint among people with fibromyalgia. Some of the most common dermatologic symptoms include dry skin, itching (pruritus), rashes and mottled skin. The purpose of this study was to identify the various types of skin problems experienced by FM patients and to determine how common they are.

Dermatologic Manifestations of Fibromyalgia.

By Valerie Laniosz, David A. Wetter and Desiree A. Godar

Abstract:

The aim of this study was to determine the common dermatologic diagnoses and skin-related symptoms in a cohort of patients with fibromyalgia seen in a tertiary referral center.

A retrospective chart review was performed of all patients with a fibromyalgia diagnosis from January 1 to December 31, 2008, whose diagnosis was confirmed in the Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Clinic at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Charts were reviewed for dermatologic conditions and cutaneous symptoms. Demographic and clinical data were collected to assess the frequency of skin-related issues in patients with fibromyalgia.

Of 2,233 patients screened, 845 patients met the inclusion criteria of having a confirmed diagnosis of fibromyalgia. Among these fibromyalgia patients, various dermatologic conditions and cutaneous problems were identified, including

Some form of dermatitis other than neurodermatitis was found in 77 patients (9.1 %).

Patients with fibromyalgia may have skin-related symptoms associated with their fibromyalgia. No single dermatologic diagnosis appears to be overrepresented in this population, with the exception of a subjective increase in sweating.